Native American - Essay Example

There were roughly five hundred different nations of native peoples during the earliest affirmation of European influx on the coasts of the North American continent. Every nation had distinctive cultural traditions such as in architecture, art, language, music, spiritual…

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The use of stringed instruments such as guitars and fiddles and the application of music synchronization to Indian music were initially introduced by the Europeans. With the migration of the Europeans and their African slaves to western Americas, both the European and African music started to influence Native American music traditions (Prinzing).
In the American Indian humanity, music has always portrayed an important role — a medium of communication with the spiritual kingdom, and of inviting mystical force into their daily existence. It has become a fundamental expression of American Indian identity (Fields).
“The importance of American Indian music is found not in its impact on modern scholarship and composition but in the traditions and values it expresses to and for the Indian people. This oral tradition has survived solely because the music was too important to be allowed to die” (1976).
Indian songs are an integral component of any activity, and encompass power in and of itself (Fields). There are songs for all events. There are songs for the efficiency of labour, success in hunting and fishing, winning in betting and gambling, making of rain, safety of the home and the family, power to heal, abundant harvests, lullabies, songs of romance, worship songs, corn-grinding songs, social dance songs, game songs, and legend songs (Rhodes 6).
Some Indian songs are for teaching roles in society. Lullabies not only put babies in deep slumber, but furthermore aid as guidance and preparation for a life ahead. The songs are intended to facilitate happiness, good health, and the making of a better person and a useful part of humanity. One Indian lullaby says, “My little son, you will put a sealing spear into your canoe, without knowing what use you may make of it when you are a man” (Densmore 226). Another lullaby for a little girl says, “This little girl will pick black salmon berries when the women go to get berries”
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The kind of instruments used in the early days are not present today unless in archives, and they include drums, flutes and other percussion instruments. Musical instruments didn’t play a very big role in music since the quality of music was mainly

Because Native American cultures believe and accept this concept, they have always worked in harmony with nature. Because they understand that the wheel of life also produces a rhythm that everyone and everything is a part of, they also understand how to move in accordance with this rhythm.

Native American art has two faces- one is handmade art-work and the other comprise of performances (Dagan). These two aspects are common for all Native American cultures. And art is always associated with some element of spirituality. For a Native American who makes traditional pots, “clay is alive-it has spiritual power and a kind of energy” (Williams et al., 29).

The Powwow is a unifying force for all the native tribes who forget all their past differences and exchange gifts to express their goodwill. The duration of a Powwow varies and can last from a few hours to several weeks. Singers are the life of Powwows since without the songs there would be no cultural dances.

Many native communities were divided over which side to support in the war (Native Americans). Native American Indians were surprised to learn that when the British made peace with the Americans in the Treaty of Paris (1783), the British had ceded a vast amount of Native American Indian territory to the United States without even informing their Native American Indian allies (Native Americans).

traditional and cultural beliefs about health and illness among Native American Indians demonstrate their differences as well as similarities within the wider society.
The general health beliefs among Native American Indians are closely linked with their philosophical beliefs

It is a way for the fans to back up their favorite team. By doing so, they can raise the awareness of the team. Nowadays, some organizations use Native American images and words as their mascot, for example; the Washington Redskins and the Atlanta Braves. However, whether

About one million Native American citizens belong to the tribal nations and have vowed never to recognize gay marriage. The Navajo community, for example, voted for the ban on same-sex marriage in 2005. Some people have, however, changed their mind and think their position